Factors Militating Against Utilization of Information Resources for Research by Scientists in Agricultural Research Institutes in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper was designed to investigate factors militating against utilization of information resources for research by scientists in Agricultural Research Institutes in Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used for the research. The population of the study was 1002 from which 200 was sampled using certified proportionate sampling technique where 20% of the respondents from each research institute was elected for the actual study. The questionnaire and observation were instruments used for collecting required data. Data gathered was organised according to research questions. The findings of the study showed that majority of the agricultural scientists rated the use of internet services/materials/documents and conference proceedings, among others, respectively between average and very high extent for their research. On the other hand, majority of the scientists rated utilization of encyclopaedias and memos, among others respectively, between low and very low extent for their research purposes. The findings also revealed that lack of enough qualified and experienced librarians to provide, process, and make available library information resources and services, inadequate funding of the libraries and lack of adequate information resources were militating factors against utilization of information resources for research among others. The study recommended that the Federal Government should improve funding to all Agricultural Research Institutes with a directive that 20% of such allocations be used for the development of research libraries, among others.